What should I do after a car accident in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is one of the no-fault states, governed by the Compulsory Motor Vehicle Insurance Law (M.G.L. c. 90, §§ 34A-34R) and the no-fault tort threshold in c. 231, § 6D.

1. Immediate Steps at the Scene

Stop and exchange information (M.G.L. c. 90, § 24). Felony to leave an injury scene.

Render aid; call 911 for injuries.

2. Mandatory Reporting

Police: Required for injury, death, or apparent damage exceeding $1,000 (M.G.L. c. 90, § 26).

Operator's Crash Report to RMV within 5 days if injury, death, or damage exceeds $1,000.

Notify your insurer.

3. Required Coverages (M.G.L. c. 90, § 34A)

Bodily Injury Liability: 20/40 minimum.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $8,000 per person per accident.

Uninsured Motorist: 20/40 minimum.

Property Damage Liability: $5,000 minimum.

PIP pays 100% of first $2,000 medical, then a portion as coordinated with health insurance, plus 75% of lost wages.

4. Tort Threshold (M.G.L. c. 231, § 6D)

You may sue for pain and suffering only if:

Reasonable medical expenses exceed $2,000, OR

Injury includes death, loss of body member, permanent and serious disfigurement, fractured bone, or substantial loss of sight or hearing.

5. Modified Comparative Negligence — 51% Bar

Under M.G.L. c. 231, § 85, the plaintiff cannot recover if their fault is greater than 50%. At 50% or less, damages reduced proportionally.

6. Statute of Limitations

Personal injury: 3 years (M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A).

Property damage: 3 years (§ 2A).

Wrongful death: 3 years (M.G.L. c. 229, § 2).

Massachusetts Tort Claims Act: 2-year presentment to public entity, suit within 3 years (M.G.L. c. 258, § 4).

This is legal information, not legal advice.